The relationship between postural angles and work- related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) mounted police unit in Selangor

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is defined as injuries and disorders of nervous system and soft tissues. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are related to workplace physical factors. Horseback riding activities are exposed to ergonomic risk factors such as repetitive movement and awkward posture. The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant exist between the postural angles and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in mounted police at cantering during the daily training. Video analysis was used to determine the absolute angles of the neck, trunk, upper arm, lower arm, wrist/hand, and leg guided by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) worksheet. At cantering, significant in the rider’s leg angle were found between the prevalence of WMSDs p = 0.041, p<0.05. Meanwhile, there were no significant in the rider’s neck, trunk, upper arm, lower arm and wrist/hand angle were found between the prevalence of WMSDs. Further work is necessary to investigate the forces acting on the rider during canter and the postural strategies employed by riders to maintain a balanced position. Such work is a necessary forerunner to the study of rider influence on horse performance.